Chez Iris

Chambres d'Hôtes

The
Charente Maritime has the warmest microclimate in France after the Cote
d'Azur.

Chez
Iris is situated at Chez Périneau in a cluster of 18 th century
farm buildings 1 mile to the West of the commune of Chaniers on the
ancient valley road between Cognac and Saintes. The house is above the
flood plain of the Charente which flows a short distance from our doors.
Sunflowers, vines, maize, and wheat dominate the beautiful rolling countryside,
which unfolds to little stone canal tiled houses. Many of the elegant
ancient churches date from the 11th century and are on the pilgrimage
routes to Compostella.

Chaniers
centre has several shops, a bank, a medical centre and four restaurants.
It has one of the few remaining river ferries, which is free. It takes
2 motor vehicles, bikes and foot passengers to Courcoury during the
months of July and August. The delicious aperitif, Pineau de Charente,
may be tasted and bought at many local vineyards.

Barrels
of Cognac and gabarres full of salt were brought along the River Charente
to Saintes where many rich Cognac merchants built magnificent houses
which may still be seen lining the river.

On
the opposite bank the 1st Century Roman Arch of Germanicus still stands.
River trips are available and an excellent way to explore the area.

Saintes
was the ancient capital of the Santones tribe and the chief town in
Saintonge; there is a swimming pool, many restaurants, several art
galleries and museums including a superb museum of archaeology and
excellent shops around the pedestrianised centre

Although
ancient, Saintes has a lively programme of activities and is twinned
with seven towns worldwide. The beautiful 11th century Abbaye aux Dames
is a musical centre of excellence and hosts the Summer University in
July and various theatrical and musical festivals.

Neolithic
remains have been found just 5 miles away and now the Paléosite
offers an interesting day out.

Cognac
is only 12 miles to the East where there is a choice of 4 Cognac houses
to visit their cellars, taste their products and learn about "the
part of the angels".

The
beaches of Royan, Marennes, Fouras (ferry to Ile d'Aix) and the isle
of Oléron are all within an hour's easy travel. La Rochelle
and the Isle of Ré are about 50 miles. All these coastal resorts
offer much to the holiday maker; there are the salt pans of the Ile
de Re, the Napoleon museum and views of Fort Boyard from Ile d'Aix.
Delicious seafood such as mussels and Marennes oysters are available
throughout Charente Maritime.

Bordeaux,
70 miles, offers all the facilities of a regional capital.

This
is an excellent location for sight seeing, as an overnight stay, as
a base for exploring by bike or house-hunting in the area.

We
are open any time of the year for local events such as weddings and
other family gatherings.

Very convenient for events at the Saintes Airfield (Armée de
l'Air) - only 10 minutes away.